Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 17, 2025 · Entertainment

Julia Nickson: From Iconic Spy to Hollywood Exit

This actress made her film debut as a savvy intelligence agent in a brutal jungle war and was the one behind the male lead's now-iconic red headband in the second chapter of a legendary five-part action saga

Julia Nickson: The Singapore Siren Who Captivated Hollywood with Her Fiery Spirit and Fierce Talent

In a career spanning over four decades, Julia Nickson has been the epitome of elegance, sophistication, and raw talent. This stunning Singapore-born beauty burst onto the scene in the '80s, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood with her breakout roles opposite some of the biggest names in the industry.

Nicknamed "The Queen of Action" for her fearless performances in blockbuster films like Rambo: First Blood Part II, Julia's journey from a model to a respected actress has been nothing short of phenomenal. With a résumé that boasts an array of iconic characters, including Co Bao, the courageous Vietnamese intelligence agent who captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, Julia proved herself to be a force to be reckoned with.

This actress made her film debut as a savvy intelligence agent in a brutal jungle war and was the one behind the male lead's now-iconic red headband in the second chapter of a legendary five-part action saga

But what many fans may not know is that Julia's path to stardom was paved with challenges and heartaches. Born in Singapore, she left her homeland at just 17 years old to pursue her passion for acting at the University of Hawaiʻi. Her early days as a struggling actress were marked by rejection and self-doubt, but Julia persevered, landing a coveted role in Magnum P.I., which served as the perfect springboard for her future success.

Julia's most memorable performance to date remains her portrayal of Co Bao opposite Sylvester Stallone in Rambo: First Blood Part II. Her character's iconic red headband, taken from her dress after a pivotal scene, has become an enduring symbol of the film franchise. This pivotal moment not only showcased Julia's remarkable range but also cemented her status as a Hollywood A-lister.

However, behind the scenes, Julia was facing personal struggles. Her marriage to David Soul, Starsky & Hutch heartthrob, ended in 1993 due to his excessive drinking. In an exclusive interview with thescholarlynote.com, David revealed that Julia had played a crucial role in saving him from himself: "Julia and I would fight over my drinking. She was always on my case about it... she persuaded me to enter a rehabilitation clinic, and thank God she did."

In 1987, she became the third wife of a wildly successful actor-singer, but their union would become strained over his struggles with alcohol until they split in 1993

Despite these personal challenges, Julia continued to dazzle audiences with her performances in Around the World in 80 Days, where she played Princess Aouda opposite Pierce Brosnan, and other notable films like Glitch!, China Cry, and K2. Her secret equestrian career, which earned her trophies as an amateur jockey in Asia, added another fascinating dimension to her already impressive profile.

However, Julia's greatest achievement lies not in her awards or accolades but in the hearts she has touched throughout her illustrious career. As a devoted mother to daughter China Soul, a talented singer-songwriter, Julia has balanced her demanding schedule with love and dedication. In an emotional Instagram post announcing her retirement from Hollywood in March of this year, Julia expressed her gratitude for the experiences that have shaped her journey: "I grew up in Singapore, where most of our moms didn't have careers... Working over 40 years in the US has been an extraordinary journey with many ups and downs. Feeling extraordinarily grateful for so many talented actors I have had the opportunity to be with on the screen. Forever grateful."

Just this week, Julia was spotted running errands in Los Angeles, looking stunning as ever in a sleek all-black ensemble paired with a practical red and blue heart-covered tote. The 66-year-old actress seemed at peace, her eyes radiating a sense of contentment that has endeared her to fans worldwide.

The 66-year-old Singapore-born actress, Julia Nickson was seen in a sleek, all-black outfit - long-sleeve top, flared leggings, sneakers, and a baseball cap - as she ran errands near her Los Angeles home, weaving through a street busy with construction crews

As Julia Nickson embarks on this new chapter of her life, she leaves behind an enduring legacy as one of the most captivating stars of our time. With her signature spirit and determination, Julia continues to inspire generations of actors and actresses, solidifying her place as a true Hollywood legend.

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Since retiring earlier this year, Nickson has kept a low profile - until Tuesday, when she was spotted in Los Angeles making a rare public appearance on the 40th anniversary of her most famous role

Additional Images:

The role that launched her Hollywood career was Co Bao, a Vietnamese intelligence agent who teams up with Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo in the second film of the five-part action franchise, Rambo: First Blood Part II

Nickson later earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of Princess Aouda opposite Pierce Brosnan in the 1989 miniseries Around the World in 80 Days

She married Starsky & Hutch heartthrob David Soul in the late 80s and they had one daughter, China Soul together, but would divorce in 1993 due partially to his excessive drinking